Page 14 - Dainfern Precinct Living 4 2021
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Chaetomium – in water-damaged
areas
Cladosporum – on fabrics and
wood surfaces
Memnoniella – frequently grows in
insulation material
Penicillin – on food
Stachybotrys – thrives where
there’s damp wood, paper and
cotton products
Trichoderma – in damp areas, air-
conditioning filters and HVAC ducts
Ulocladium – in kitchens,
bathrooms and around windows.
Stachybotrys, often referred to as
‘black mould’ is one of the most
toxic. It can also have a grey or
dark green appearance and often
has a musty smell. The mycotoxins
that it produces can cause severe
health problems, including flu-like
symptoms, headaches, respiratory
damage, fatigue, depression and
Certain moulds can memory loss.
cause health issues
MOULD PREVENTION
Controlling the amount of humidity
compounds (VOC) such as the machines and dishwashers if they and moisture in areas where there
organic solvents found in cleaning have been left standing with the is limited ventilation is key to
materials, disinfectants, aerosol doors closed for any length of time. preventing or eliminating mould. Use
sprays and pesticides, along an extractor fan when cooking and
with some building materials and There are over 100 000 different get an indoor dehumidifier if you feel
furnishings can pollute the indoor types of mould found in nature, but that there’s too much humidity in
atmosphere. The health effects from in the home, the most prevalent are: any of your rooms.
exposure to these pollutants include Acremonium – which often
eye, nose and throat irritation, develops into a fine, powdery Regular cleaning to eradicate dust
headaches, tiredness, nausea, substance and mould spores is essential.
dizziness, reduced co-ordination Alternaria – found in showers, under Clothes should ideally be dried
and various allergies. leaky sinks and around bath tubs outdoors – and make sure that
Aspergillis – in dust and on dry all your linen, towels and clothes
When it comes to cleaning walling are fully dry before packing them
materials, solvents and the like, the Aureobasidium – behind wallpaper away.
professionals recommend rather
buying these in smaller quantities/
volumes and, when you have
finished the task, disposing of the
rest in a responsible manner. This
is because gases from left over
cleaning materials can escape
into the atmosphere even if the
containers are ‘closed’ merely
adding to the general mix of toxins
circulating in the air in your home.
MOULD
If you have any damp areas in your
home, the chances are that you
have a thriving colony of mould
growing there. Mould is often found
in showers, under fitted baths where
the sealant between bath and wall
has degraded (a good reason to
install a freestanding bath!), under
sinks, in cupboards, and anywhere Sources:
where the plumbing is leaking or https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
the roof leaks. It can also occur in White vinegar works https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/
HVAC ducts and air-conditioning best to remove mould houseplants/
filters, as well as inside washing
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